History of MTC

The plans for a Vocational-Technical Center in Harrisonburg began in 1968 when the school board authorized a survey be conducted relating to the needs and desires of such a facility. As a result of this survey, it was decided to proceed with the planning and development of the center.

The building was designed by D’Earcy P. Davis, Jr. and Associates and originally contained 53,375 square feet of floor space.

With Edward S. Long, Jr. as principal and Arthur W. Mitchell as assistant principal, students from four high schools in Rockingham County and Harrisonburg High School were enrolled in 12 original vocational-technical areas. On opening day, August 28, 1971, 261 students were enrolled.

In 1973, the first adult enrollment program began with 12 programs and 160 adults enrolled. In 1977, a 3,225-square foot addition to MTC went under construction, with the students from maintenance and repair, drafting, plumbing, heating, masonry and electricity doing most of the work! That same year, MTC added a computer room center and in 1978, an addition was built onto the west end of the main building which now holds the Dental Assistant program). The East building, which now holds Vet Assistant and Collision Repair, opened in 1980, three years after construction began.

In 1985, the Continuing Education building, the “West” building, was built on the hill, which now holds all GED and adult classes.

In 2009, the East building expanded, adding on the Health and Public Safety building for the nursing, Fire and Rescue and Criminal Justice programs.